Daily Word of Grace # 122 (September 2, 2020)
In his final book, All is Grace (2011) the late preacher and writer Brennan Manning, whose ministry has greatly encouraged me over many years, wrote, “If I’ve learned anything about the world of grace, it’s that failure is always a chance for a do-over” (162). Although other people may or may not give you grace—may or may not give you “a chance for a do-over”—God always does. God is a God of mercy, a God of forgiveness, a God of grace. God is a God of second chances…and third chances, and fourth chances, and…you see where this is going. Ask King David, who was given a second chance from God after a combination of adultery and murder (2 Samuel 12:13). Ask Mary Magdalene, out of whom Jesus had cast seven demons (Luke 8:1-2) and who was later not only at the foot of cross during Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:55-56) but also the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection (John 20:11-18). Ask Peter, who was given a second chance from God after denying Jesus not just once but three times (John 21:15-19). You can also ask millions of Christians who over the centuries have experienced the reality that God is a God of grace, a God of second chances. In whatever areas of your life you have failed (or are failing), God remains faithful and each failure is indeed “always a chance for a do-over.”
Love and Prayers,
Dave